A good number of business houses in the nation’s capital have been looted and damaged during riot in the city on the 10th of January 2024.
Those businesses lost items and valuables worth millions of kina hence couldn’t resume operation by providing service. This also affects their employees.
Noting that the government resolved to provide assistance package to the business houses affected.
“We have come to a common resolve that we will help build the city into a safer, better place for all of us,” stated Prime Minister Marape.
“Secondly, we have resolved that there will be an assistance package for the business community who suffered losses.”
Expressing dismay on the impact of the recent events which escalated to other parts of the country, Prime Minister Marape lamented the loss of employment for 3,000 Papua New Guineans due to the “recklessness, lawlessness, and disrespect for the country by a certain segment of our city population”.
“We are putting together an assistance package that should assist you (affected businesses) get back into business,” Prime Minister Marape assured.
“The Government has sufficient funding in this year’s Budget, including the K200 million for SME intervention, the K150 million for State Equity, and others, to support commerce and business in our country.
“Cabinet, when we convene next week, will put together an assistance package for those taxpayers whose businesses were affected.”
When highlighting that businesses play an important role in the economy, Prime Minister acknowledged the expectation for the State to protect them while expressing disappointment in the failure of law-enforcement agencies to fulfill their duty on the 10th January.
“We are a government known for giving support to our economy and our people in tough times,” he asserted.
In recognition of the majority of Port Moresby residents who refrained from participating in the unrest, Prime Minister Marape extended gratitude, stating, “A few decided to burn Port Moresby; the majority decided not to burn Port Moresby. I want to step back and say ‘thank you’ to these majority who held back.”
The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to rebuilding and fostering a secure and prosperous future for Port Moresby. Further details on the assistance package will be unveiled following the Cabinet’s convening next week.
